FAI Cup Preview: Dundalk -v- Waterford

Dundalk

Last year’s FAI Cup runners up begin their 2020 campaign on Tuesday evening when they host Waterford in Oriel Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

Dundalk are aiming to reach their sixth consecutive final and last won the competition in 2018, losing to Shamrock Rovers on penalties in 2019.

The Lilywhites have had a tough time in the Premier Division since the season re-started with a draw at home to St Patrick’s Athletic and a loss to Bohemians last Friday night in Dalymount Park.

Vinnie Perth will be hopeful that his side can get a win over Waterford to kick start their season and get them on the road to the Aviva Stadium in November.

The Louth side knocked Tuesday night’s visitors out of the competition last year when they won 3-1 in the quarter-finals with Daniel Kelly netting a hat-trick.

Dundalk have no reports of any injuries going into tomorrow night’s game.

Waterford

Waterford played out a scoreless draw last Saturday night when they hosted Cork City, but they will be buoyed by the fact that they have a win to their name since the re-start, against Shelbourne.

The Blues don’t have the greatest record against Dundalk having lost nine of the last ten meetings with the Louth club and they will also face Dundalk again on Friday night in the Premier Division.

Manager John Sheridan is expecting things to be tough for his side this week.

“I was disappointed after Saturday’s game. I felt we did enough to win it, but that’s football,” he said, speaking to the club’s website.

“Some days you get the rub of the green and other days you don’t. We just need to regroup as a team and move on with it.

“It’s a quick turnaround but we’re looking forward to Tuesday’s game. The cup is one of those things where anything can happen so we’re looking forward to taking on Dundalk.

“We have two away trips within a few days, both at the home of the current Premier Division winners, so we know things will be tough.

“We’ll prepare as best as we can ahead of Tuesday’s game and give it our all.”

Waterford have a full squad available for the FAI Cup match tomorrow night with John Martin and Jake Davidson returning to contention having missed Saturday’s game against Cork City.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

MATCH STATS

Dundalk have won nine of the last ten meetings with Waterford.

The Lilywhites have made it to the last five FAI Cup Finals in a row, winning in 2015 and 2018.

Waterford were knocked out of the competition in the quarter-finals last season by Dundalk, Perth’s men ran out 3-1 winners in the RSC

BETTING

Dundalk 1/4; Draw 7/2; Waterford 9/1.

PREDICTION

Dundalk 2–0 Waterford.

Dundalk

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Waterford

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Suspended: None.